Secure Handling of Stored-Value Data Objects

Abstract

An approach to managing stored-value data objects, such as electronic tickets, comprises secure systems and procedures for ticket issuing, storage, and redemption. With these systems and procedures in place, stored-value data objects may be securely transferred to remote systems, such as a user's personal electronic device, for subsequent secure redemption, thus allowing the user to gain access to the desired goods or service upon redeeming the data object. Techniques provide secure delivery of the requested data object to the requesting device, and provide secure redemption and disposal of the data object. Ticket issuing systems may be Internet-accessible systems, and users may purchase and redeem tickets using mobile terminals or other devices adapted for wireless communication. Standardized WPKI and Internet access procedures may be employed in ticket issuance and redemption. Techniques further provide temporary and rapid verification data objects useful where rapid ticket verification is essential, such as mass transit systems.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a divisional of application Ser. No. 11 / 941,325, filed 16 Nov. 2007, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10 / 008,174, filed 13 Nov. 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,944, issued 1 Jan. 2008. The entire contents of each of these related applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to conducting secure transactions, and particularly relates to securely managing wireless device transactions involving stored-value data objects.[0003]As portable electronic devices become more fully integrated into the everyday lives of people, these devices will be used in a broader range of transactions. For example, one might integrate payment functions into a portable communication device such as a cellular telephone. A user can then pay for selected goods or services using the phone's payment functions.[0004]Security issues complicate u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution provides secure, convenient, and flexible management of stored-value data objects, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the legitimacy of transactions, while allowing for rapid verification and secure redemption of electronic tickets.

Problems solved by technology

In any case, the security element provides for secure storage of the data object and does not permit viewing, retrieving, or otherwise modifying the stored data object except in accordance with its security rules.

Additionally, the security element may allow a user of the wireless device to browse or view selected fields or portions of the stored data object, but prevents unauthorized copying of the stored data object by not allowing unencrypted access to the full data object.

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